The women's workwear essentials you need in your wardrobe

Up there with the cigarette pant, wide-leg trousers are a real wardrobe staple. M&S' have smart pressed pleats, but the added stretch means they're comfy, too

From Reformation's latest collaboration with American activist Monica Lewinsky, this classic little black dress truly deserves a place in your workwear wardrobe. Choose to layer yours over white shirts, under cropped cardigans or wear it solo with ballet flats once the warmer months arrive.

Shop the full Reformation x Monica Lewinsky work collection here.

Ah, where would we be in the winter months without a knitted dress – it's super comfy and never needs ironing. H&M's ribbed midaxi is truly timeless in this cream hue. Dress it up with a chunky gold necklace and leather jacket on the weekend.

Dressing for the office in the spring and summer months can be difficult, but thankfully Reformation has solved all our workwear woes with this linen two-piece. Coming in both cherry red and staple black, this set features an A-line midi skirt and tailored peplum top.

If you haven't invested in a suit, we suggest you do so as soon as possible: there's nothing more striking than head-to-toe tailoring. Dress Arket's pinstripe set up with loafers and a shirt, then switch to trainers and a T-shirt on the weekend.

Shop the matching tailored trousers here.

Commuting is stressful enough without lugging an extra tote (or two) around for your gym kit and laptop. This smart leather shopper from celebrity-favourite DeMellier is capacious enough for all of your essentials and has a zip pocket for extra security.

We wish it wasn't so, but a coat is always a necessity in the UK. Go for something lightweight like the trench, which works with everything from jeans and floral dresses to smart suiting. This Gilda style from Aligne is a fashion editor favourite and sells out every season.

If you don't already have a black blazer hanging in your wardrobe, where have you been for the past year? Our go-to piece for instant chic, this fitted version from Reiss will smarten up skirts and trousers for the office, then tone down anything "slinky" (your go-to slip skirt or bias-cut dress) or sequinned in the evening.

A white poplin shirt is the most classic piece you can wear to work. Jigsaw's is cut for an oversized fit (so you can style it casually, too), with on-trend wide cuffs.

Culottes are one of the chicest options you can wear to the office, and they'll work all year round – pair yours with knee high boots and knits now and switch to T-shirts next spring. This Boden pair is as flattering as it gets with that mid-calf hemline and pressed A-line shape.

Workwear wardrobes don't have to be packed with black. Today's increasingly casual dress codes have made bold colours and prints much more acceptable in the office. Jigsaw's pure silk shirt is dyed in the colour of the season: olive green.

We couldn't do a workwear edit without mentioning cigarette pants (paired with loafers, a Breton top and red lips they are forever timeless). Whistles' are woven with stretch so they're ultra comfy for the office – if you find them a little too slim, add coverage with an on-trend hip-length blazer.

Considering we spend most of the week barefoot working at the kitchen table, we can be forgiven for never wanting to wear uncomfortable courts to the office again. Meet comfort and height in the middle with Stories' open-toe mules. Set on a sturdy block heel, these cream leather shoes will see you through the commute and onto post-work drinks.

Every working woman should be armed with an easy-to-throw-on shirt dress. H&M's belted midi is made to flatter with a midi skirt and long sleeves. Underpin yours with knee-high boots now, then switch to bare legs and mules come spring.

A great midi skirt will serve you from now through until the warmer months. With its elegant A-line shape and versatile leather fabric, Cefinn's will work with everything from strappy sandals and trainers to knee boots.

Welcome to your new wardrobe hero: the bodysuit. Before you promptly scroll to the next slide, hear us out: this turtleneck one piece will eliminate all tucking-in bulk, look seamless and smooth under skirts, trousers and sleeveless dresses.

You'll be seeing a lot more of the loafer in coming months: this classic shoe is officially back. Stories' leather Pennies are true to the '50s classics loved by Audrey Hepburn – which means they'll never date.